Booker T Washington Magnet High School

BTW is one of the best schools in the state. The administration and staff work together to support students and communicate with parents.
—Submitted by a parent

BTW Magnet is an outstanding school. This year the school has three National Merit Program Scholars, and the Creative Writing Magnet has published a book. Under the awesome leadership of Principal Quesha Starks the school is moving in a positive, focused direction.
—Submitted by G.Jackson, a parent

My son's a junior in the law magnet. BTW is a small public high school described by one parent as 'an oasis in the desert.' This is the second year for Principal Quesha Starks and this year she has an assistant. Both are top-notch as is the faculty. Our PTSA tries to help in any way needed. Academic excellence is stressed, but struggling students can find tutoring help from their teachers. Our talented creative/performing magnet students have lots of opportunities to perform for the community. Law students research twice weekly at the State Supreme Court and conduct mock trials at the Federal District Court. Aviation students not only learn about aviation but also fly. Creative writing students wrote and published a book about participants in the Civil Rights Movement. The facilities are old and there're no sports teams. But BTW is a school with a heart, mission and vision. Great school!
—Submitted by Sheila Noblitt, a parent

This is an awesome school. The social and academic environment fosters amasing tallent and creativity. This school will perpare students for later life. It is strongly recomended.
—Submitted by a former student

My Son loves going to BTW. He is in the law magnet program which has opened a future of possibilities for him. The teachers are outstanding and really care about the students. By placing the students in magnets, they are more interested in learning. My son do wish they had sometype of sports program and is active in the SGA to make this happen for the future students of BTW since he is now a senior.
—Submitted by a parent

BTW provides a stimulating learning enviornment to foster the needs of talented students, especially in the performing arts area. However, the diverse population of students can lead your child to choosing the wrong kind of friends. My daughter, a gifted student, chose a poor circle of friends and has paid for it with her academics as well as her social life. The peer pressure can really effect your child negatively. Stay on top of things, parents, and don't let your child associate with these type of kids. I am not the only parent who feels this way!
—Submitted by a parent

Going to this school has been great experience for me all four years of high school. I am very glad that I chose this school. There is always some way to get involved here.
—Submitted by Sarah, a student

We've had two of our children attend BTW -- this school's academic program rivals what we saw in northern Virginia. It is an island of academic excellence in an otherwise deprived and depraved Montgomery school system. For the most part, the core academic teachers are among the best in the state, if not the nation -- especially the teachers for AP Government, AP History, and advanced math (Algebra III, pre-calculus, calculus, and advanced math). My only gripes would be (1) location, (2) a seemingly intense focus on the dance magnet at the expense of all other performing and non-performing magnets, and (3) the internal turmoil caused by a third principal in as many years. Fear naught -- this is a great school!
—Submitted by Paul Niesen, a parent

Our second child is graduating from BTW this year. BTW has provided them fantastic opportunities to develop their creative talents and obtain an excellent education. The faculty is extremely supportive while always encouraging the students to strive for excellence.
—Submitted by a parent